Maturing as Christians

We are to grow up...in Christ.  We are not called to just be a believer, but as a disciple.

As people we are to grow up from children to adults.  So to, we are to grow up.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Meeting together is a very important part of God's plan.
In marriage, you are to not be individuals but a family. 

1 John 4:20

This love is not romantic, or responding but a sacrificial love.   Families love each other where those outside of the family, won't.   Family should be a safe place to test, try and experience.  Growing up requires all processes of God in our life.  It takes commitment.   It takes relationship.  It takes habits.

1 Thessalonians 1:8
The people didn't try to get rid of stuff in their lives; they simply responded to what God wanted for them.

To mature in Christ, we are to grow up.

Luke 14:27   Grow up; carry your load.

Disciples are known by what they are committed to.   Look at what people do; not say.  Peoples values come out in their lives by what they do.  Those who belong to God are to take on His values.

2 Peter 3:18 - you can be sincere but if you don't pick up God's values (grace and knowledge) then we pick up the world's values.

Ephesians 4:13 - becoming mature.
It's a requirement to become mature and to have unity.   We are to become the best person we can become in the Lord.

Romans 8:29-30 - maturity is being like Christ. Christ has called you, justified you, sanctified you. We are to grow up. You have God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Growing up is not a gift, it's work.  The 'work' we are given to do is to grow up.  It doesn't happen by thinking but doing.

Hebrews 5:12-13 - if you stay on milk all your life, you will end up falling.  Maturity takes discipline.  You have to set time aside for God each day.  You have to set time aside to fellowship.   You have to set finances aside to do God's work. If you don't set time aside to pray, it will stop. 

1 Timothy 4:7

Maturing is discipling yourself.   Taking action, effort, cooperation with God.